Composition and method for under-eye skin lightening

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a composition for topical treatment of skin comprising the use of live yeast cell derivative in combination with a suitable vehicle, for treating discolorations and bagginess in facial skin below the eyes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions for topical treatment ofskin problems associated with abnormal pigmentation. More particularly,the invention comprises the use of live yeast cell derivative incombination with a suitable vehicle, for treating discolorations andbagginess in facial skin below the eyes.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART

Puffiness or bagginess under the eyes with associated discolorations hasmany etiologic factors including an abnormal increase in leakage fromcapillaries beneath the surface of the skin. Fluid accumulating beneaththe skin in the region under the eyes results in edema which manifestsas baggy eyes often relatively darker in color in contrast tosurrounding facial areas which are perceived by consumers ascosmetically unacceptable.

The exact reasons for such increased capillary permeability is notalways known, but several factors such as stress, kidney malfunctions,high blood pressure, water retention, excessive consumption of caffeineand lack of sleep have been identified as being associated with theproblem. Intrinsic aging and photodamage can also lead to similarchanges.

Increased accumulation of "GAG's" (hyaluronic acid & chondroitin sulfateB) can also lead to secondary osmotic changes resulting in increasedextra cellular accumulation of protein, sodium and water. In suchsituations, affected skin appears edematous with pronounced presentationof lymphatics and vessels and microscopically, collagen fibers appearfrayed and swollen.

A classic example of acute periorbital edema and discoloration is the"black eye" which results from physical trauma directed to the eye andinjury to the skin surrounding the eye. Here, trauma causes leakage ofvasculature which manifests as the classical periorbital bruise.

The use of yeast (genus: Saccharomyces) for brewing and baking (species:Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been recorded throughout history, but itsscientific manipulation and the use of derivatives of such technology incosmetic products is only a recent phenomenon. For instance, U.S. Pat.No. 5,204,105 describes an emulsified cosmetic composition for treatmentof skin found below the eyes. The primary components defined in the '105patent are a mixture of plant and yeast extracts, beta-carotene, vitaminC and a methyl-silanol complex.

The '105 patent disclosure assumes that a mixture of naturally occurringsubstances will have some (unidentified) benefits to skin, but the '105patent actually identifies the methyl-silanol complex (not from yeast orplant) as the active ingredient "for minimizing blackness" under theeye.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,491 describes the use of an insoluble glucan fromyeast cell walls for "revitalizing" skin and Japanese Patent PublicationNo. 7-10734 (1995) describes the use of a yeast culture isolated fromgrain and grown in milk for reducing melanocyte-mediatedhyperpigmentation. These descriptions are typical of thestate-of-the-art which superficially addresses the use of non-animalderived products for skin benefits under the current trend of consumerpressures to use less animal-derived ingredients in cosmetics. A closerreading usually identifies a non-yeast active ingredient or that thewholesome origins such as grain or milk have little to do with itsactive properties.

There is a need in the art for a functional, therapeutic dermalcomposition derived from yeast which alleviates discolorations andbagginess found in facial skin below the eyes. To this end, the presentinvention includes the following goals.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a composition fortopical treatment of skin anomalies including puffiness anddiscolorations found below the eyes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compositioncomprising live yeast cell derivative for reducing under-eye bagginessand associated discolorations.

A further object is to provide a composition containing a selected rangeof live yeast cell derivative, which also contains selected ranges ofmagnesium ascorbyl phosphate and vitamin A and E derivatives, to providetherapeutic benefits including reduction of puffiness and discolorationsfound in skin below the eyes,

These and other objects will become evident from the disclosure hereinprovided.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention is a topical formulation for treating under-eyebagginess and associated discolorations which comprises about 0.5 toabout 10.0% live yeast cell derivative, about 0.5 to about 10.0%magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, about 0.1 to about 5.0% tocopherolacetate, about 0.01 to about 1.0% retinol palmitate, and a vehicle whichmaintains the active ingredient levels.

The formulation can be prepared in several different vehicles. Forexample, a cream embodiment can have about 8.5% emollient oils, about7.5% various waxes, about 5.0% glycerin, about 3.52% live yeast cellderivative, about 3.0% magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, about 1.0tocopherol acetate, about 0.5% retinol palmitate, about 0.7% othervitamins and vitamin derivatives, about 2.5% emulsifiers, and about0.35% thickeners.

A lotion embodiment can have about 10.0% emollient oils, about 5.0%glycerin, about 4.75% various waxes, about 3.5% magnesium ascorbylphosphate, about 3.25% live yeast cell derivative, about 1.0 tocopherolacetate, about 0.25% retinol palmitate, about 0.8% other vitamins andvitamin derivatives, about 1.75% emulsifiers, and about 0.35%thickeners.

A gel embodiment can have about 1.5% emollient oils, about 1.5%glycerin, about 5.0% live yeast cell derivative, about 2.0% magnesiumascorbyl phosphate, about 0.1 tocopherol acetate, about 0.1% retinolpalmitate, about 0.2% other vitamins and vitamin derivatives, about 1.5%emulsifier, and about 0.75% thickeners.

In the above exemplary embodiments, all percentages are expressed byrelative weight of ingredient to total weight of composition; glycerinacts as a humectant; emollient oils can include dioctyl maleate, grapeand sunflower seed oils, and squalane; various waxes contemplatedinclude soya sterols, glyceryl monostearate, cetyl alcohol and myristylmyristate; other vitamins and vitamin derivatives can include vitamin Kand. ascorbyl palmitate; emulsifiers which can be used include PEG 40stearate, PEG 24 cholsteryl ether and polysorbate 20; and variousthickeners such as xantham gum and Carbopols 934 and 941, can also beused.

In addition, topical anti-inflammatories such as bisabilol; neutralizersand pH adjustors such as potassium hydroxide, citric acid and sodiumcitrate; stabilizers such as silicon dioxide and zeolite; preservativessuch as methylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea and benzyl alcohol;anti-oxidants such as BHT; chelators such as tetrasodium EDTA; andvarious vegetable and botanical extracts and fragrances known to thoseskilled in the art, can all be employed in diverse combinations toenhance the efficacy of and impart general skin benefits to the presentinvention.

The topical compositions which comprise the present invention containlive yeast cell derivative (hereinafter also "LYCD") as the activeingredient in an appropriate formulation for treating under-eye problemssuch as dark circles and bagginess. As noted above, dark under-eyecircles are not a simple melanocyte mediated pigmentation problem.Etiologies include circulatory malfunctions, inflammation and exposureto the environment, and the problem does not respond well to knownhypopigmenting or skin whitening compounds. The LYCD-containingcompositions of the present invention provide a practical alternativefor treating dark undereye circles.

LYCD is a highly complex, low molecular weight, biologically activematerial comprised of amino acids, monosaccharides and disaccharides,and trace quantities of vitamins and minerals. LYCD as used in thepresent invention is produced from live yeast cultures of Saccharomycescerevisiae and consists primarily of glycosidic and peptidic fractionsresulting from proteolytic extraction of living yeast cells subjected toultra-violet (UV) stress which causes the cells to synthesize"protective" chemical entities. These active substances promote oxygenuptake and enhance the metabolic processes within human cells. Forexample, these materials have been reported to enhance collagenproduction in fibroblasts. Brooks et al., Live Yeast Cell Derivative,Cosmetics & Toiletries, 110:65-70 (1995).

As noted above, the present formulations can also contain vitamins A, C,E and K and their derivatives, phospholipids and bisabolol to promoteother cosmetic benefits. Additionally, LYCD when combined with magnesiumascorbyl phosphate (MAP), tocopherol acetate and retinol palmitate,produces surprising benefits for lightening dark undereye circles.Regular topical use, twice daily of such active blends produce dramatic,tangible improvements in dark undereye circles within two weeks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The theory behind live yeast cell derivative (LYCD) is based on a livingcell's response to trauma. An injured cell reflexively producesself-protective substances. LYCD used in this disclosure is manufacturedfrom living yeast cell cultures by modifying their medium to select formetabolic processes which produce a particularly useful, safe, cosmeticquality material.

Yeast cultures are placed in a fermenter and brought to viability in anappropriate nutrient media with thorough aeration under a controlledtemperature. The living yeast cells are then. stressed with UV light(286 nm). The cells respond by producing various protective substances.The cells' biochemical changes can be monitored by assaying absorptionat 256 to 258 nm with a UV spectrophotometer. Exposure to UV light iscontinued, for up to several days, until the complex biochemicalprotective mechanism is complete. Fermentation is brought to a halt bybreaking down cell walls with a suitable proteolytic enzyme. Insolublecell wall material is separated with centrifuge and cellular protoplasmis harvested. The soluble protoplasmic extract is then concentrated andassayed for biological activity.

The LYCD extract can either be concentrated by freeze drying or spraydrying, and is usually available as a filtered, cosmetic grade solutionsuch as from Brooks Inc., South Plainfield, N.J. Extensive analysis hasshown that the LYCD consists of low molecular weight peptide/glycosidicfractions between 400 to 3,500 daltons with the peptide to glycosidicratio being approximately 3:1. The glycopeptide linkages are through theorthoglycosidic, asparagine residues. There are also trace quantities ofcoenzyme-type vitamins typical of yeast present, along withcofactor-type minerals. Brooks et al., Id.

The following exemplary embodiments were made pursuant to the presentinvention.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                                         CREAM  LOTION   GEL                                          ______________________________________                                        Live Yeast Cell Extract                                                                          3.52     3.25     5.00                                     Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate                                                                     3.00     3.50     2.00                                     Vitamin K          0.50     0.50     0.10                                     Ascorbyl Palmitate 0.20     0.30     0.10                                     Tocopherol Acetate 1.00     1.00     0.10                                     Bisabilol          0.50     0.25     0.10                                     Vitamin A Palmitate                                                                              0.50     0.25     0.10                                     Soy Lecithin/Cholesterol Blend                                                                   0.20     0.15     0.05                                     Demineralized Water                                                                              55.82    q.s.     q.s.                                     Carbopol 934       0.25              0.75                                     Carb 941                    0.25                                              Xantham Gum        0.10     0.10                                              Glycerin           5.00     5.00     1.50                                     Potassium Hydroxide                                                                              0.25     0.25     0.65                                     Glyceryl Monostearate                                                                            2.50     1.50                                              Cetyl Alcohol      2.00     1.00                                              Myristyl Myristate 2.00     2.00                                              PEG 40 Stearate    2.00     1.50                                              Soya Sterols       1.00     0.25                                              PEG 24 Cholsteryl Ether                                                                          0.50     0.25                                              Silicon Dioxide    0.43     0.25                                              Methylparaben      0.40     0.40     0.25                                     BHT                0.15     0.15     0.05                                     Dioctyl Maleate    2.55     2.50     0.50                                     Grape Seed Oil     2.13     3.00     0.50                                     Sunflower Seed Oil 2.13     2.50     0.50                                     Squalane           1.70     2.00                                              Corn Starch Ester  1.87     1.00     0.25                                     Silica Bead        1.70     1.00                                              Zeolite            0.85     0.50     0.25                                     Sodium Citrate     1.00     1.00                                              Citric Acid        0.20     0.20                                              Tetra Sodium EDTA  0.20     0.15     0.10                                     Imidazolidinyl Urea                                                                              0.50     0.40     0.50                                     Cyclomethicone Tetramer                                                                          2.55     2.00                                              Benzyl Alcohol     0.50     0.50     0.25                                     Fragrances         0.30     0.25     0.10                                     Polysorbate 20                       1.50                                     ______________________________________                                    

The exemplary embodiments shown in Table 1 serve only to illustrate butnot limit the invention. One skilled in the art could easily apply thedisclosure provided herein to develop further embodiments and othersuitable vehicles without departing from the scope of this invention.The above-listed exemplary embodiments were made following a protocolsimilar to that out-lined below which is for the cream embodiment.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Cream Formula

The primary equipment used to make the cream embodiment was aPressindustria/Eppenbach with an equipment capacity of 60-90% by volume.Auxiliary equipment included three side kettles, kettle no. 1 with 30%by volume, kettle no. 2 with 30% by volume, and kettle no. 3 with 35% byvolume. Batches made in the Pressindustria/Eppenbach equipment used highspeed milling when milling is specified below.

Demineralized water (20.82 wt.%) was added to side kettle no. 1. Withmoderate mixing, glycerin and tetrasodium EDTA was next added and mixedfor 5 to 10 minutes until uniform consistency was achieved. Carbopol 934was then slowly sprinkled into kettle no. 1 and vigorously mixed for60-90 minutes, until uniform.

Xantham gum was slowly sprinkled into side kettle no. 1 and vigorouslymixed for 60-90 minutes, until uniform. The contents of side kettle no.1 were then strained (200 microns or finer) into thePressindustria/Eppenbach and heated to 170°-175° F. (77°-79° C.) withmixing.

Demineralized water (0.67 wt.%) was poured into side kettle no. 1 andheated to 170°-175° F. (77°-79° C.), then transfered through a strainer(200 microns or finer) into the Pressindustria/Eppenbach, therebyflushing side kettle no. 1 and connecting pumps and lines.

A premix of 1.0 wt.% demineralized water and the potassium hydroxide wasmade in a suitable container and transferred into thePressindustria/Eppenbach. Temperature was maintained at 170°-175° F.(77°-79° C.) with good mixing.

Vitamin A palmitate, glyceryl monostearate, cetyl alcohol, myristylmyristate, PEG 40 stearate, soya sterols, PEG 24 cholsteryl ether,silicon dioxide, methylparaben, BHT, dioctyl maleate and squalane wereslowly added into side kettle no. 2 and heated to 190°-195° F. (88°-91°C.) and mixed until uniform.

Ascorbyl palmitate, tocopherol acetate, bisabilol, soylecithin/cholesterol blend, grape and sunflower seed oils were nextslowly added to side kettle no. 2 with temperature maintained between170°-175° F. (77°-79° C.) and mixed for 15-20 minutes.

Corn starch ester, silica bead and zeolite was then added to side kettleno. 2 with temperature maintained between 170°-175° F. (77°-79° C.) andmixed, then the contents of kettle no. 2 was transferred to thePressindustria/Eppenbach. Heat was maintained at 170°-175° (77°-79° C.)with good mixing. Demineralized water (0.66 wt.%) was poured into sidekettle no. 2 and heated to 170°-175° F. (77°-79° C.), then transferedinto the Pressindustria/Eppenbach to flush side kettle no. 2, connectingpumps and lines.

The batch in the Pressindustria/Eppenbach was milled for 5 minutes andmixed for 10-15 minutes while maintaining the temperature at 170°-175°F. (77°-79° C.). The batch was next cooled to 120°-125° F. (49°-52° C.)while mixing.

Thirty (30) wt.% demineralized water was added to side kettle no. 3 andheated to 120°-125° F. (49°-52° C.). Sodium citrate and citric acid wereadded to the water and mixed until uniform. The magnesium ascorbylphosphate was added by sprinkling very carefully to side kettle no. 3and mixed with temperture not exeeding 125° F. (52° C.). Vitamin K wasnext added and mixed for 5-10 minutes until uniform. With the millturned on, the contents of side kettle no. 3 were strained (200 micronsor finer) into the Pressindustria/Eppenbach. Demineralized water (0.67wt.%) was poured into side kettle no. 3, then transfered through astrainer (200 microns or finer) into the Pressindustria/Eppenbach toflush side kettle no. 3, connecting pumps and lines.

The batch was milled for 5 minutes and slowly mixed for 10-15 minutesuntil uniform, then cooled to 115°-120° F. (46°-49° C.) while continuingto mix slowly. A premix of 2.0 wt.% demineralized water, imidazolidinylurea and LYCD was made in a suitable container until uniform andtransferred into the Pressindustria/Eppenbach. The batch was slowlymixed for 10-15 minutes until uniform. Cyclomethicone tetramer andbenzyl alcohol were next added into the Pressindustria/Eppenbach andslowly mixed for 10-15 minutes until uniform.

EXAMPLE 2 Undereye Treatment Study

Under the supervision of a dermatologist, the cream formulation asspecified above was tested on a panel of 50 women who had discolorationsand bagginess in facial skin below the eyes. More specifically, somepanelists had "dermal circles" which researchers classified asdiscolorations and bagginess resulting from blood leaking fromcapillaries into the surrounding tissue. Other contributing factors fordermal circles were attributed to visibility of capillary walls ordilation of blood vessels in panelists with relatively more transparentskin. The bluish-purple effect in the undereye area of those with dermalcircles was most pronounced in fairer-skinned panelists.

Another category of discoloration manifested was a "mixed" type whereinpanelists exhibited a combination of dermal and "epidermal" circles. Inaddition to dermal circles, mixed types also had hyperpigmentation whichwas more common in the darker-skinned panelists and those with fair skinwho were prone to freckling. Age and photodamage accentuated theeffects.

The cream was applied in a split face fashion, i.e. one undereye area(left or right) received the active cream while the other undereye areawas untreated. The topical treatment application was twice per day underblinded, random assignment conditions. Specifically, the cream wasapplied to the entire under-eye, "crowsfeet" and upper cheek bone areas,twice a day (AM and PM) for the entire study. No other skin careproducts were used underneath either eye area during the study. Thepanelists were instructed to cleanse their faces as per normal routine,and each AM and PM to dispense 1 to 2 dots of cream onto fingertips andgently apply underneath the designated eye, crowsfeet and upper cheekbone areas.

The dermatologist examined the undereye areas of the inventive creamapplication sites and compared it to the corresponding control sites at2, 4, 8 and 12 week intervals. The intensity of color in the undereyearea on which the cream containing LYCD was applied was significantlyreduced in the majority of panelists as early as two weeks afterapplication. Inprovements in lines and. texture, a decrease in puffinessof the suborbital area, and reductions in color intensity and in colorarea were observed in the majority of panelists four weeks afterapplication (see Tables 2-4, below).

A reduction in color intensity meant that the affected skin achieved alighter tone, and a reduction in color area meant a decrease in theamount or extent of coloration, with improvements begining from outerareas (corner of eye and top of cheek) and receding towards the undereyelid area. Table 2, below, gives a scaled score for different parameterstested.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                                            2       4     8     12                                    Parameter  Baseline Weeks   Weeks Weeks Weeks                                 ______________________________________                                        Color Degree                                                                             0        1.0     2.3   2.3   2.4                                   Color Area 0        0.7     1.8   2.1   2.0                                   Suborbital 0        0.1     1.3   2.1   2.1                                   Lines                                                                         Texture    0        0.2     1.5   2.0   2.2                                   Puffiness  0        0       0.5   0.6   0.6                                   Lentigines 0        0.4     0.6   0.8   1.0                                   Elasticity 0        0       0     0     0                                     ______________________________________                                    

Table 3, below, shows the percentage (%) of tested panelists showingimprovement at each time point.

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                                            2       4     8     12                                    Parameter  Baseline Weeks   Weeks Weeks Weeks                                 ______________________________________                                        Color Degree                                                                             0        49      83    95    100                                   Color Area 0        40      76    91    100                                   Suborbital 0         6      60    98    100                                   Lines                                                                         Texture    0        12      73    98    100                                   Puffiness  0         0      27    37     48                                   Lentigines 0        34      46    62     76                                   Elasticity 0         0       0     0     0                                    ______________________________________                                    

Table 4, below, summarizes combined sensory and clinical data.

                                      TABLE 4                                     __________________________________________________________________________                     AFTER 2                                                                             AFTER 4                                                                             AFTER 8                                                                             AFTER 12                                           CHANGE   WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS WEEKS                                      __________________________________________________________________________    TEXTURE makes skin feel                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        100%                                               smoother       ↑ in 73%                                                                      98%   100%                                       TONE    helps firm                                                                             .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                             delicate eye area                                                             makes skin feel                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                             more supple,                                                                  more elastic,                                                                 more resilient                                                        MOISTURE                                                                              provides long-                                                                         .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                             lasting moisture                                                      FINE LINES                                                                            diminishes     .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        100%                                       AND     appearance of  ↑ in 60%                                                                      98%                                              WRINKLES                                                                              fine lines and                                                                wrinkles                                                                      softens and                                                                            .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                             smooths fine                                                                  lines and                                                                     wrinkles                                                              DARK    make dark circles                                                                            (area)                                                                              .check mark.                                     CIRCLES appear less    ↑ in 76%                                                 noticeable                                                                    significantly  (degree)                                                       lightens dark  ↑ in 83%                                                 circles                                                               PUFFINESS,                                                                            diminishes the .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        ↑ in                                 BAGS    appearance of              48%                                                puffiness                                                                     diminishes the                                                                appearance of                                                                 unsightly bags                                                        YOUTH   helps skin around                                                                            .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                             the eye look                                                                  younger                                                               HEALTH  is nourishing to                                                                       .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                             skin                                                                          helps the skin                                                                         .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                                                        .check mark.                                             around the eye                                                                look healthier                                                        __________________________________________________________________________     ↑ = IMPROVEMENT, PER DERMATOLOGIST'S EVALUATION;                        .check mark. = SIGNIFICANT FINDING; PANELIST OPINION                          TESTS SHOW:                                                                   After 2 weeks: Skin around eyes looks smoother; fine lines and wrinkles       are softened.+-                                                               After 4 weeks: Dark circles appear lighter in 8 out of 10 panelists* and      puffiness is diminished.+-                                                    After 8 weeks: Dark circles are significantly less noticeable.+-              +sensory finding; *clinical finding                                      

Various modifications and alterations to the present invention may beappreciated based on a review of this disclosure. These changes andadditions are intended to be within the scope and spirit of thisinvention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition for topical treatment of skindiscolorations found below the eyes, comprising:(a) about 0.5 to about10.0% live yeast cell extract, (b) about 0.5 to about 10.0% magnesiumascorbyl phosphate, (c) about 0.1 to about 5.0% tocopherol acetate, (d)about 0.01 to about 1.0% retinol palmitate, and (e) a vehicle whichmaintains active ingredient levels.
 2. The composition of claim 1,comprising:(a) about 8.5% emollient oils, (b) about 7.5% waxes, (c)about 5.0% glycerin, (d) about 3.52% live yeast cell extract, (e) about3.0% magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, (f) about 1.0 tocopherol acetate, (g)about 0.5% retinol palmitate, (h) about 0.7% vitamins, (i) about 2.5%emulsifiers, and (j) about 0.35% thickeners.
 3. The composition of claim2, wherein said emollient oils are selected from the group consisting ofdioctyl maleate, grape and sunflower seed oils, and squalane; said waxesare selected from the group consisting of soya sterols, glycerylmonostearate, cetyl alcohol and myristyl myristate; said vitamins isvitamin K; said emulsifiers are selected from the group consisting ofPEG 40 stearate, PEG 24 cholsteryl ether and polysorbate 20; and saidthickeners are selected from the group consisting of xantham gum,Carbopols 934 and 941 and further comprising ascorbyl palmitate.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1, comprising:(a) about 10.0% emollient oils, (b)about 5.0% glycerin, (c) about 4.75% waxes, (d) about 3.5% magnesiumascorbyl phosphate, (e) about 3.25% live yeast cell extract, (f) about1.0 tocopherol acetate, (g) about 0.25% retinol palmitate, (h) about0.8% vitamins, (i) about 1.75% emulsifiers, and (j) about 0.35%thickeners.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein said emollient oilsare selected from the group consisting of dioctyl maleate, grape andsunflower seed oils, and squalane; said waxes are selected from thegroup consisting of soya sterols, glyceryl monostearate, cetyl alcoholand myristyl myristate; said vitamins is vitamin K; said emulsifiers areselected from the group consisting of PEG 40 stearate, PEG 24 cholsterylether and polysorbate 20; and said thickeners are selected from thegroup consisting of xantham gum, Carbopols 934 and 941 and furthercomprising ascorbyl palmitate.
 6. The composition of claim 1,comprising:(a) about 1.5% emollient oils, (b) about 1.5% glycerin, (c)about 5.0% live yeast cell extract, (d) about 2.0% magnesium ascorbylphosphate, (e) about 0.1 tocopherol acetate, (f) about 0.1% retinolpalmitate, (g) about 0.2% vitamins, (h) about 1.5% emulsifier, and (j)about 0.75% thickeners.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein saidemollient oils are selected from the group consisting of dioctylmaleate, grape and sunflower seed oils, and squalane; said vitamins isvitamin K; said emulsifiers are selected from the group consisting ofPEG 40 stearate, PEG 24 cholsteryl ether and polysorbate 20; and saidthickeners are selected from the group consisting of xantham gum,Carbopols 934 and 941 and further comprising ascorbyl palmitate.
 8. Amethod for topical treatment of skin discolorations found below the eyescomprising the application of a composition comprised of:(a) about 0.5to about 10.0% live yeast cell extract, (b) about 0.5 to about 10.0%magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, (c) about 0.09 to about 0.6% retinolpalmitate, (d) about 0.1 to about 5.0% tocopherol acetate, and (e) avehicle which maintains active ingredient levels.
 9. The method of claim8, wherein said composition comprises:(a) about 8.5% emollient oils, (b)about 7.5% waxes, (c) about 5.0% glycerin, (d) about 3.52% live yeastcell extract, (e) about 3.0% magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, (f) about 1.0tocopherol acetate, (g) about 0.5% retinol palmitate, (h) about 0.7%vitamins, (i) about 2.5% emulsifiers, and (j) about 0.35% thickeners.10. The method of claim 9, wherein said emollient oils are selected fromthe group consisting of dioctyl maleate, grape and sunflower seed oils,and squalane; said waxes are selected from the group consisting of soyasterols, glyceryl monostearate, cetyl alcohol and myristyl myristate;said vitamins is vitamin K; said emulsifiers are selected from the groupconsisting of PEG 40 stearate, PEG 24 cholsteryl ether and polysorbate20; and said thickeners are selected from the group consisting ofxantham gum, Carbopols 934 and 941 and further comprising ascorbylpalmitate.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein said compositioncomprises:(a) about 10.0% emollient oils, (b) about 5.0% glycerin, (c)about 4.75% waxes, (d) about 3.5% magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, (e)about 3.25% live yeast cell extract, (f) about 1.0 tocopherol acetate,(g) about 0.25% retinol palmitate, (h) about 0.8% vitamins, (i) about1.75% emulsifiers, and (j) about 0.35% thickeners.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein said emollient oils are selected from the groupconsisting of dioctyl maleate, grape and sunflower seed oils, andsqualane; said waxes are selected from the group consisting of soyasterols, glyceryl monostearate, cetyl alcohol and myristyl myristate;said vitamins is vitamin K; said emulsifiers are selected from the groupconsisting of PEG 40 stearate, PEG 24 cholsteryl ether and polysorbate20; and said thickeners are selected from the group consisting ofxantham gum, Carbopols 934 and 941 and further comprising ascorbylpalmitate.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein said compositioncomprises:(a) about 1.5% emollient oils, (b) about 1.5% glycerin, (c)about 5.0% live yeast cell extract, (d) about 2.0% magnesium ascorbylphosphate, (e) about 0.1 tocopherol acetate, (f) about 0.1% retinolpalmitate, (g) about 0.2% vitamins and vitamin derivatives, (h) about1.5% emulsifier, and (j) about 0.75% thickeners.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein said emollient oils are selected from the group consistingof dioctyl maleate, grape and sunflower seed oils, and squalane; saidvitamins is vitamin K; said emulsifiers are selected from the groupconsisting of PEG 40 stearate, PEG 24 cholsteryl ether and polysorbate20; and said thickeners are selected from the group consisting ofxantham gum, Carbopols 934 and 941 and further comprising ascorbylpalmitate.
 15. A composition for topical treatment of skindiscolorations found below the eyes, comprising:(a) about 0.5 to about10.0% live yeast cell extract, (b) about 0.5 to about 10.0% magnesiumascorbyl phosphate, and (c) a vehicle which maintains active ingredientlevels.
 16. The composition of claim 15, further comprising about 0.1 toabout 5.0% tocopherol acetate.
 17. The composition of claim 15, furthercomprising about 0.01 to about 1.0% retinol palmitate.
 18. A method fortopical treatment of skin discolorations found below the eyes comprisingthe application of a composition comprised of live yeast cell extractand a vehicle which maintains active ingredient levels.